**Editor's Note: Click here to see which channel people were on the move in February and March.**

In what came as a surprise announcement to some partners, EarthLink on Thursday said J.R. Cook is no longer its channel chief. The company has appointed Sherri Turpin is its new vice president of channel sales.

Turpin joined the managed network and cloud services provider in 2011 as vice president of channel strategy. An industry vet, she grew and supported XO Communications’ channel partner program. She is based in EarthLink’s Dallas office.

“In appointing Sherri Turpin to this key channel chief role at EarthLink, I’m confident that she will serve as a true champion of our partners and the company, and continue the upwards trajectory of our channel program," said Michael D. Toplisek, EarthLink’s chief revenue officer.

Turpin will lead the company’s channel partners and implement programs specifically targeting the company’s national and regional master agents.

“I could not imagine a more experienced and able person to now lead EarthLink’s indirect channel and champion its valued partners," Cook said in the news release. “Sherri has an unwavering commitment to the channel and having someone of her talent and experience at EarthLink will foster an even more robust program in the future."

Cook would only tell Channel Partners that he left his post on April 18 on his own volition. His future plans aren't yet official. So stay tuned.